The Nardone 928
A Grand Tourer Reimagined 

(Restomods) Founded by Thierry Nardone in Aix-en-Provence in 2021, the company is dedicated to Porsche’s lesser-explored transaxle models, particularly the Porsche 928. Unlike the track-bred 911, the 928 was conceived as a grand tourer, designed for long-distance comfort. Despite its innovative nature, it never received the same cultural acclaim as its rear-engine sibling, though it did win the “Car of the Year” title in 1978. Nardone’s vision was never to compete with 911 restomods but to complement them, offering something distinct for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate Porsche’s broader history.

Restraint speaks louder than excess

True mastery lies in knowing what to refine, what to reinterpret, and what to leave untouched. This philosophy is embedded in every detail of the Nardone 928. Unlike the 911, which lends itself to nostalgic backdating, the 928’s design does not allow for a simple homage to the past. Instead, this project feels as if production never ceased after 1995. The result is a car that appears as a natural evolution.

For Thierry Nardone, founder and visionary, this project is deeply personal. His journey began as a child in sun-drenched Valence, when he first saw a Porsche 928 – a moment that never left him and fueled his imagination. The car was unlike anything else he had seen on the road before —sleek, balanced, and understated. It defied Porsche’s conventions: a grand tourer rather than a race-bred sports car. Yet despite its great ambition, the Porsche 928 never achieved the recognition of its rear-engine sibling. Nardone saw something others missed: a design that deserved a second chance. Still, for Nardone, one thing is clear: “Calling the car a restoration would be a lie.” His declared goal was to reinterpret the 928, to refine it quietly while preserving its identity. To make his dream come true, Thierry Nardone has surrounded himself with a series of partners of highest level, true professional masters in their fields.

Familiar Lines, Modern Precision

The familiar lines remain, but every surface and material now conveys greater clarity. The carbon fiber body preserves the original flowing proportions and muscular rear arches. Yet it is lighter and more precise. The iconic pop-up headlights have been modernized and streamlined. At the rear, a seamless LED light strip enhances minimalism without disrupting the design’s flow.

The exterior follows modern Porsche design language—its presence feels unmistakably familiar yet entirely redefined. While the remain unchanged, nearly every other exterior surface has been carefully re-sculpted. Even the car’s proportions have been subtly adjusted: the front is slightly shorter, while the rear is extended, creating a more harmonious balance. The entire back hatch no longer opens—only the rear window does—a deliberate refinement that enhances both aesthetics and functionality.

Many original parts no longer fit and had to be meticulously redesigned by Nardone. The result is a level of collaborative craftsmanship where even the smallest details, such as the sound the doors closing or the bonnet clicking into place, exude an unmistakable Porsche feel.

Where Engineering Meets Artistry

The transformation process was entrusted to Podium Advanced Technologies, a workshop in Aosta where cutting-edge engineering meets artisanal expertise. Every car is stripped down to its core structure, with each single component meticulously reconsidered. Carbon-fiber body panels, electronic suspension systems, and modernized braking components come together to create a car that feels balanced and refined at any speed.

Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S tires provide grip and control, enhancing both performance and aesthetics. The dark velvet-finished sidewalls add a subtle touch of texture, perfectly complementing the car’s sculptural form.

The interior is minimalistic yet rich in tactile appeal. Milan-based studio Borromeo De Silva reinterpreted the cabin, creating an environment where materials and textures guide the senses. A nod to the past is evident in the seat upholstery: The Porsche Pasha pattern—originally a bold, mid-70s take on a motorsport checkered flag with Bauhaus-inspired Op Art—returns in a more subdued, contemporary interpretation with softened contrasts. Foglizzo leather and Alcantara cover the seats, dashboard, and panels. There are no superfluous details. The minimalistic dashboard houses a remastered sonic experience, offering total ambient control. Featuring 11 speakers, the sound system is nothing short of world-class—an acoustic designed to envelop the cabin in rich, immersive audio. Meanwhile, modern infotainment is seamlessly integrated: a digital cluster and Porsche’s Classic Communication Management system—complete with Apple CarPlay—offer contemporary functionality without intruding on the analog spirit of the design.

Luxury Without Extravagance

This is not a car that overwhelms with opulence or extravagance. It is quiet, purposeful luxury designed for long drives—where each surface invites touch, and every detail serves to enhance the journey. Whether on the highway, the mountain pass, or the racetrack – the active dampers, custom-engineered by TracTive Suspension for the Nardone 928, react in real-time to driving style and road conditions, delivering precise and balanced handling.

Italtecnica, a father-and-son engineering firm, reworked the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, creating more than 300 bespoke parts to enhance both performance and durability. With 450 horsepower on tap, the engine delivers smooth, effortless acceleration.

The six-speed manual transmission was developed by Involute Transmissions—a specialist from Falaise, with roots in aerospace and Formula 1. Over 200 components were engineered to integrate seamlessly into the original architecture, resulting in a precise, mechanical feel. The gearbox becomes an extension of the driver’s hand—a quiet but powerful link between driver and machine. It is the first engineered six-speed gearbox designed to fit the original five-speed 928.

The engine note, powerful yet unobtrusive, rises and falls with the rhythm of the road. This is where the car’s true artistry lies. It is not a numbers game, nor an exercise in nostalgia, but in evolution. Every decision has been made with restraint, balancing power, comfort, and control to create a machine that feels timeless in its purpose.

In a world increasingly dominated by excess and hyperbole, Nardone offers a different definition of luxury. It appeals to those who value refinement over spectacle—those who understand that true craftsmanship is not about decoration but intention. Every element of this car serves a purpose, creating a driving experience that is quietly remarkable.

Nardone defines luxury differently: not through excess, but through perfection. With a starting price of €480,000 (excluding VAT and the donor car), the initial production will be limited to just eight launch editions, with additional models built exclusively to customer specifications, with clients to personalize their Nardone 928 through an immersive configuration process. This process allows them to explore body colors, material finishes, and interior details. The Nardone 928 is a grand tourer that has been reimagined, enhanced, and redefined for today. It does not shout for attention. It waits, understated and timeless, ready to reveal itself to those who truly look and listen.